Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a delightful twist on two beloved classics: lasagna and buffalo chicken. This hearty dish layers spicy, tangy chicken with creamy cheeses and is sure to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. It’s perfect for spice lovers and comfort food fans alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort: Combines the spicy excitement of buffalo chicken with the cozy heartiness of lasagna.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this lasagna is straightforward to assemble with common ingredients.
- Crowd Pleaser: A dish that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your heat tolerance and dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish harnesses simple yet dynamic ingredients that create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element—whether it’s the fiery buffalo sauce or the creamy ricotta—plays a vital role in crafting this deliciously bold lasagna.
- Lasagna Noodles: Using oven-ready noodles saves time without compromising texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Offers creaminess to balance the heat; mix with herbs for added flavor.
- Blue Cheese: Adds a sharp tang that complements the spicy chicken.
- Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star flavor; choose your preferred brand depending on heat level.
- Ranch Dressing: Cools the dish slightly and adds a creamy contrast.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a juicy, acidic element.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy top.
Variations
One of the best parts about making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is its versatility. You’re the artist in the kitchen, so feel free to switch up ingredients or tailor it to meet any dietary restrictions you might have.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with cauliflower or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate any gluten intolerances.
- Extra Cheesy: Increase the mozzarella or add cheddar for a richer cheese pull.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a great time to gather all your ingredients and ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded, as this will streamline your assembly process.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Combine ricotta, blue cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In another bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. These mixes are what make each bite layered with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Start with a layer of the chicken mixture in your baking dish. Follow this with lasagna noodles, cheese filling, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella for that golden, bubbly top.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
- Thermometer Check: Ensure the internal temperature of your lasagna reaches at least 165°F for safe serving.
- Cheese Layering: A sprinkle of cheese between each layer keeps things gooey and equally delicious from top to bottom.
- Taste the Sauce: Prior to layering, adjust the buffalo sauce for heat and flavor to suit your own taste.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna sit after baking; this helps it set for neater slicing.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Top your lasagna with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Consider adding a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for those who like it hot!
Side Dishes
Pair your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a fresh garden salad or a side of steamed broccoli to complement the richness. A loaf of garlic bread can also balance the spicy zest with buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your lasagna in individual ramekins for a personal touch that highlights presentation. Alternatively, use a colorful ceramic baking dish to accentuate the warm and vibrant tones of this delicious dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3–5 days, allowing you to savor the flavors throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your lasagna later, freezing is an excellent option. Simply wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Be sure to allow it to fully cool before packaging.
Reheating
Reheat your lasagna in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices for a quick meal. For best results, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen.
FAQs
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Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna the day before and keep it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to enjoy.
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Is there a way to make it less spicy?
You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add more ranch dressing for a milder version.
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What can I use if I don’t have oven-ready noodles?
You can use regular lasagna noodles but be sure to boil them according to package instructions before layering.
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Can I substitute any of the cheeses?
Feel free to swap the blue cheese with feta or omit it for a less tangy version. Mozzarella can also be mixed with provolone or cheddar for variety.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is bound to become a favorite in your home. With its delightful layers and flavorful kick, it’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of excitement to any meal.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a flavorful and spicy twist on the classic Italian dish, layered with shredded chicken, spicy buffalo wing sauce, creamy cheeses, and a hint of blue cheese for added zest. Perfect for those who love bold flavors, this hearty casserole combines the zest of buffalo wings with the comfort of baked lasagna, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese Layer
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Chicken and Sauce Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
Cheese for Topping
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, blue cheese crumbles, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In another bowl, mix shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes until evenly coated.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread ¼ of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the chicken. Spread another ¼ of the chicken mixture, then ⅓ of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with about ⅓ of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the dish: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before serving to help it set. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Proper cooling helps with even freezing and reheating; cool thoroughly before storing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
- You can customize the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce or hot sauce.
- Using oven-ready noodles simplifies the assembly process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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